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The Basel Convention of 1989 is concerned with:

  1. A.Protection of the ozone layer
  2. B.Control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes
  3. C.Conservation of biological diversity
  4. D.Combating desertification

Correct answer

B. Control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes

Explanation

The correct answer is B, control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and their disposal. The Basel Convention was adopted in 1989 after public anger at the export of toxic waste from industrialised countries to poorer ones, and it requires prior informed consent from the importing state before such a shipment may be made. Later amendments have brought plastic waste and electronic waste within its notification requirements.

Option A, protection of the ozone layer, belongs to the Vienna Convention of 1985 and the Montreal Protocol of 1987. Option C, conservation of biological diversity, is the subject of the convention opened for signature at Rio in 1992, with its Cartagena and Nagoya protocols. Option D, desertification, is dealt with by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification of 1994, which followed a recommendation of the Rio summit.

Read the full article: International Environmental Conventions: Treaties and PYQs

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Q1.Environment & EcologyAsked in: Uttar Pradesh · 20 Sep 2020Easy

Ramsar Convention is related to

  1. A.Climate change
  2. B.Pesticide pollution
  3. C.Ozone layer depletion
  4. D.Wetland conservation
Show answer
Correct answer: D. Wetland conservation

The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance was signed in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar and came into force in 1975.

Q2.Environment & EcologyAsked in: UPSC Civil Services · Prelims GS Paper I, 5 June 2022Hard

Which one of the following statements best describes the 'Polar Code'?

  1. A.It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters.
  2. B.It is the agreement of the countries around the North Pole regarding the demarcation of their territories in the polar region.
  3. C.It is a set of norms to be followed by the countries whose scientists undertake research studies in the North Pole and South Pole.
  4. D.It is a trade and security agreement of the member countries of the Arctic Council.
Show answer
Correct answer: A. It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters.

The Polar Code is the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters, adopted by the International Maritime Organization and in force since the beginning of 2017.

Q4.Environment & EcologyEasy

The Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987, deals with:

  1. A.Substances that deplete the ozone layer
  2. B.Transboundary movement of hazardous waste
  3. C.Conservation of migratory species
  4. D.Trade in endangered species
Show answer
Correct answer: A. Substances that deplete the ozone layer

The Montreal Protocol was adopted in 1987 under the Vienna Convention of 1985 and entered into force in 1989. It fixed timetables for phasing out chlorofluorocarbons, halons, carbon tetrachloride and other ozone depleting chemicals, with later deadlines for developing countries.